Work with local staff to take care of these children by feeding them, comforting them, playing games with them and encouraging them to be more socially active! You can play a role in helping these individuals live a life of greater dignity and independence, while being active members of the community.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week as a volunteer here in Vietnam, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise yourself with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Orientation Day Schedule

• Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
• Vietnamese Do’s and Don’ts, Vietnamese Culture Lessons and Vietnamese Language Lessons.
• Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
• Lunch
• Activities with local students and more

Weekly Schedule

A weekly schedule can look like this:

Monday

During your first week, an introduction to the project and its staff will give you an opportunity to orientate yourself and discuss the role you will take on. You’ll also get to meet the wonderful children at the hospital, as well as your manager, who’ll support you throughout your stay!

During your time as a volunteer in Vietnam, you’ll be staying in Ho Chi Minh, commonly known as Saigon, which is located in the southeastern region of Vietnam and is the country’s largest city.

About the Accommodation

Back to college! Your accommodation is located on a campus in a college dorm with each room sleeping 4-6 people, in single-gender accommodation. This is a great way to make friends and get to know fellow volunteers, but you will have to follow campus rules, such as the 11.30pm curfew!

If you need a little peace and quiet, we have a room reserved as an ‘office’ where you can spend some time, catch up with family online or read some of the books and magazines we have available. The following are available at our accommodation:

• Wifi in public areas
• Safety box
• Lockable rooms
• Hot showers
• Private bathroom
• Air conditioning

Nearby, there is also a great local cafe, with fresh juices, snacks and other treats!

Food Arrangements

Basic Vietnamese meals are provided on campus and generally include lots of noodles, soups, rice, chicken and beef. Vegetarians can be catered for, but do let us know prior to your stay. Western foods are also available, such as sandwiches, spaghetti and bread for those who might be a little picky! Lastly, please note that on weekends, we serve brunch instead of breakfast and lunch.

Facilities

You can easily catch a taxi from the main road just outside of the campus to get to your chosen destinations. Further, you’ll find several ATMs nearby, around 10 minutes’ walk from the campus. All other essentials can be easily found – we are, after all, in the country’s capital!

Population: Approx.92 million
Capital: Hanoi
Language: Vietnamese
Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)
Time zone: UTC +7

Vietnam is currently the world’s 13th most populous country and occupies 331,211 square kilometers. Today, although scarred by its past, Vietnam is a fast-growing economy helped by tourism that its interesting history and beautiful sights draw in.

One frequent thing to hear is that it has not yet been subjected to the western influence that Thailand and, to an extent, Cambodia have been. The Vietnamese still tend to prefer their traditional cuisine to the fast food chains that seem to be taking over the world.

Aside from the beautiful countryside of the north, rice fields and beaches, Vietnam is a country that is very much on the move. Roads are being upgraded, new hotels are opening everywhere and its cities are fastly developing.

If you are planning to work & travel in Vietnam there are a number of fulfilling opportunities available from volunteering with children to Hospital Out reach projects. As an experienced gap year travel company we have helped many people enjoy the delights of Vietnam during their gap year so if you are looking for an adventure in South East Asia you should add Vietnam to your shortlist. Few countries in the world can offer such a diverse range of culture, history, natural wonders and excitement.

Vietnam offers ravishing coastlines, emerald-green mountains and dynamic cities. The breathtaking National Parks continue to yield new species and are teaming with exotic wildlife. With outstanding cultural interest and one of the world’s best cuisines, Vietnam has it all. If you are looking for a Volunteer experience in Vietnam have a look at our latest experiences below.